WINTER HILL RACE - MARSHALS REQUIRED

I am looking for marshals for the Winter Hill Race on the 14th February, which starts at 10am from Rivington Barn. If anybody is interested will they please contact me on 01204 669570 (evenings and weekends) or anytime on my mobile 07770 562797.

Thanks

Tony

Stanbury Splash Fell Race - 7 miles 1200 feet - 24 January 2010

Two senior Horwich runners crossed the Pennines to take part in their first fell race of the year, a category B medium fell race held in Bronte country. Suzanne Budget had another fine run, the day after competing in the Northern cross country championships, taking 3rd LV 40 prize. The route is over some fast tracks and paths, heather moorland, and competitors have three steep descents and climbs in order to cross streams by wading, hence the name ‘Splash’. This is a value for money race with a unique atmosphere, well organised by Dave Woodhead, with an extensive prize list; a Soreen Malt loaf for every entrant, free coffee and biscuits at the finish, and free soup and roll at the prize giving in a local pub.

Results

1. - Ian Holmes - 43:17 - Bingley

150. - Suzanne Budgett - 62:55 - Horwich

186. - Paul Murray - 65:56 - Horwich

298 finished

Northern Cross Country Championship

Blackburn 23rd January 2010

Afternoon Tea in Blackburn.

This headline comes from a course in Blackburn where the large lap included the Saucer and the Teacup! The Saucer is the normal hill at Blackburn but to make he senior course more than 10km and nearer to the championship maximum distance of 12km and without adding another lap, they added another hill, called the Teacup, steeper than the Saucer but on the same hill. The lady’s race included the Teacup once on their final lap but the men had it to contend with it 4 times. The men’s race had 600 finishers and the lady’s race 222.

As you would expect the Northern Championship races are full of quality athletes and his year was no exception. The Horwich men only numbered 7 so all were going to count except 1. That one was Barry Allman having run 7 miles in the morning and he ran a steady race to be our 7th counter. Barry finished in 566th in 69.12.

Gary Priestley was our first counter back in 30th position in 42.49 with another very solid performance. Karl Ward who loves the big events was our second counter. He produced a gutsy performance to finish in position 184th in 50.07. Gary Chadderton was third counter and Tony Hesketh next. Their positions and times were 323rd in 54.46 and 385th in 57.14 respectively. The vet theme continued with Pete Ramsdale fifth counter in 469th 61.08 and Gordon Stone completed the team in 523rd in 64.59. The team finished 34th out of 49 completed teams.

Our only athlete in the lady’s race was Suzanne Budgett who was a little self critical of her performance afterwards – and I don’t know why. She attacked the 8km course and worked very hard every step of the way to finish in 46th position. Her time of 36.16 is impressive on this hilly course.

Some athletes before the race, from other clubs, where complaining about how difficult the course was… welcome to the North West. Well done and thanks to everyone, turning out on a cold afternoon to represent your club.

All results can be seen on http://www.race-results.co.uk/results/2010/naxc10.htm

Peter Ramsdale

XC Captain

Northerns on Saturday 23rd January

The race times are very different to normal.

Race Times for the Northern Cross Country Championships on Saturday 23rd January at Blackburn, Witton Park.

Under 17 Women 11.10am
Under 17 Men 11.40am
Under 13 Girls 12.05pm
Under 20 Women 12.20pm
Under 15 Boys 12.45pm
Under 15 Girls 1.05pm
Senior Women 1.40pm
Under 20 Men 2.30pm
Senior Men 3.05pm

Route to the park and routes for the day are on the North of England Web Site

http://www.northernathletics.org.uk/Pages/Event.aspx?id=160&EventID=385

See you there

Peter Ramsdale
Cross Country Captain

Track Sessions - ON

At the moment it looks like all outdoor track sessions will go ahead as usual this week. However, i am not a weather man, so i can make no guarantees. Please check back later in the week for further updates.

Mid Lancs Cross Country at Blackpool 16/01/2010

We needed a good turnout for this one and we got one, 13 senior men, some more senior than others ran this flat, muddy, boring course that was actually quite demanding considering how flat and short ( 5 miles ) it was.

Results

2 - Gary Priestley - 30.40

8 - Ali Murray - 32.09

32 - Graham Schofield - 33.58

38 - Martin Jones - 34.29

58 - Ian Hepburn - 36.03

67 - Dennis Mason - 36.37

79 - Gary Chadderton - 37.18

85 - Tim Roe - 37.42

98 - Doug Fleming - 38.34

112 - Tony Hesketh - 39.16

160 - Pete Ramsdale - 42.42

162 - Paul Murray - 42.55

180 - Gordon Stone - 45.20

Another superb run from Garry who worked hard for second place, his best to date in this league this season. Ali Murray also had his best run to date and finished a brilliant 8th overall, again his best this season. These two lads are both training hard at the moment and can both look forward to a good season ahead.

We still needed 4 more good runs to complete the team, and the next four to count did not let us down, Graham, Martin, Ian and Dennis who had all turned out to help the team ran really well to give us a win in section 3 and maintain our push for promotion. We also fished a creditable fourth team overall on the day.

Another runner having a good day was Garry Chadderton who is improving all the time and I am sure he will be pleased to have beaten Both Doug and Tony. Having his first run on the country for Horwich was new member Tim Roe who looked at home from the start and had a really good run to finish 85th.

Next in was Doug Fleming in 98th place who had to work hard to hold off our No 1 supervet Tony Hesketh who was looking resplendent in the latest fashion item of long black socks, Knowing Tony they are probably his old refereeing socks.

Our cross country captain Pete Ramsdale was next in, probably not realising that Paul Murray was steaming in just 13 seconds behind him, which was only about 5 metres in the clinging mud, maybe a touch more ! Anyway, well run lads. Our last counter Gordon Stone ran hard to support the section and finished very strongly, well done Gordon.

The next one is at Hyndburn on the 13th February - I will be chasing you all again by text and e.mail so be ready !!

Thanks for running

Pete Bland

Full Results and League Tables.

KEYS FOUND

Set of keys found on Winter Hill whilst running from Trig point towards Noon hill, Keys have two key rings on them. One is a Mizuno Key ring and the other is a metal keyring with the Statue of Liberty on it.

Contact marksammon@peawet.com if they are yours

Hill Session, Thursday 14th Jan 2010 - CANCELLED

Once again the Hill Session has been cancelled this week due to the persisting conditions underfoot. Lets hope to see an improvement next week!

Lancashire Cross Country Championships, 9 January 2010, Witton Park, Blackburn.

Although many other races were postponed due to weather conditions, the Lancashire championships went ahead in sunshine and with mainly soft snow underfoot. Suzanne Budgett had a brilliant run, finishing third and first veteran overall to win bronze and gold medals and a place in the Lancashire team for the Inter-counties championships. In the men’s race Gary Priestley had a very good run to finish seventh and Paul Murray received a silver medal for second V65.

Results

Senior Women

1 - Sarah Ridhaigh - Accrington RR - 33:51

3 - Suzanne Budgett - Horwich - 35:23

13 - Emma Perrin - Horwich - 37:34

Senior Men

1 - Ben Fish - Blackburn - 36:40

7 - Gary Priestley - Horwich - 38:23

26 - James Kevan - Horwich - 42:19

39 - Karl Ward - Horwich - 44:58

82 - Paul Murray - Horwich - 56:08

Bolton Arena Track - CLOSED

I have just spoken to the Bolton Arena who have confirmed that the outside Track is closed all week. Fingers and Toes now crossed for next week!!

Mark Dacre

Junior Coach

Horwich RMI Harriers & AC

Two Crosses Circuit - POSTPONED

I've just got back from the East Lancs LDWA meeting and the decision was to reluctantly postpone the 25th Two Crosses Circuit, due next Sunday. I have an entry list and recognise many Horwich members.

The first suitable date (subject to logistics of rebooking etc) is Sunday, March 21st. All entries will be valid for that date. Full information will be posted on the LDWA site in the next couple of days. Just wanted to get the info out quickly to reduce the number of phone calls to the organisers.

Nine of us did a marshals walk last Sunday. We only did the 18 mile route but that took us 7 hours despite a good speed where possible, 5 hours being the expected time in previous years. Speed certainly wasn't possible on White Moss which although enjoyable in a perverse sort of way, would pose too great a risk (especially if the wind speed is anything like today on Winter Hill).

Gordon Stone

Track Session: Tuesday 12th January 2010 - CANCELLED

Once again the track at the arena is unavailable due to a covering of snow and ice.

Mid Lancs XC - Saturday 16th Jan 2010 - CHANGE OF VENUE

Just a reminder that the venue for this weekends Mid Lancs XC has been changed to Lawsons Ground, Blackpool. Please pass this on to anyone you know who is thinking of going.

Full details can be found on the league website.

Outside Track Training CANCELLED Mon 11th Jan - due to weather

Unfortunately, the outside track at the Bolton Arena is still closed due to the bad weather, so NO training outside tonight! Fingers crossed again, for later in the week!

Lancs XC Champs 2010 - ON

Just a quick note that the Lancs XC Champs 2010 will be going ahead tomorrow, Saturday 9th Jan. Please check out the Lancs AA website for full details, and any last minute changes.

Hill Session, Thursday 7th Jan 2010 - CANCELLED

Due to the adverse weather conditions tonights hill session from Foxholes in Horwich has been cancelled.

Sorry for the short notice.

I will try to get something up sooner for next week, either way.

Greater Manchester XC Champs - CANCELLED

I have received notification that the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships, due to be held on Sunday 10th Jan 2010, have been cancelled due to the weather.

Please pass this on to anyone who may have been planning to run.

Training on Arena Track Thursday 7th Jan 2010 - CANCELLED

Please note all training on the outside track is cancelled for Thursday 7th January 2010.

Fingers crossed for Monday 11th January?

Mark Dacre

Junior Coach

Horwich RMI Harriers & AC

Training Wed Night 06 Jan 2010 - CANCELLED

In view of the weather conditions we have decided to cancel todays training session between 6.30-8.00pm.

Fingers crossed that it has all melted away for next week - resume Wednesday Training on 13th January 2010.

Kind regards

Mark Dacre

Mike Houghton

Tiffany Dacre

Mike Myers

Junior Coaches

Horwich RMI Harriers & AC

Greater Manchester XC Championship

Sunday 10th January 2010

If you wish to run in the Greater Manchester XC Championship on Sunday 10th January, and you qualify, (born in Greater Manchester or you have the last 9 months of continuous residence in Greater Maanchester), then you can enter on the day. Its £3 each for all runners. Please run in your Horwich vest.

Start times

U13 Boys 11.30am

U13 Girls 11.45am

U15 Boys 12 noon

U15 Girls 12.15pm

U17 Men 12.40pm

U17 Women and U20 Women 1.15pm

U20 Men 1.45pm

Senior Women 1.45pm

Senior Men 2.30

Good luck to those running in the Lancashire XC Championship on Saturday 9th and the Greater Manchester on Sunday 10th

Peter Ramsdale

BOLTON ARENA TRACK UPDATE - Tuesday 5th Jan

As if it wasn't obvious, there will be no track session at Bolton Arena this evening. The track is completely covered in snow.

I'll try and update regarding future sessions, but if in doubt ring the arena on 01204 488100.

PENNINE BRIDLEWAY RELAY - REMINDER

SUNDAY 31st JANUARY 2010.

Just a reminder that this event is quickly approaching and that we are still looking for runners in all three teams entered, but in particular the vets. Each team consists of 10 runners, running in pairs over 5 legs. If you've never done it before, its a great team event and a fun day out.

Please contact a team captain asap to allow time for reccies.

Men's Open Team - Alastair Murray. alastair.murray@gmail.com. 07769 682439.

Men's Vets Team - Tony Hesketh. anthony-hesketh@sky.com. 01204 668183.

Ladies Open Team - Rachel Metcalfe. rachelmetcalfe@btinternet.com. 01204 811269.

BOLTON ARENA TRACK UPDATE - Monday 4th Jan

I have received an update from Bolton Arena that the track is usable today. This should allow the junior session tonight to go ahead.

Please note that whilst it is very cold, there is no black ice on the track, and the main hazard is getting out on the path. This is being gritted, but everyone is asked to take care.

I should be receiving a further update tomorrow regarding the state of the track for Tuesday's senior session. Please check back tomorrow for details.

You can also contact the arena reception on 01204 488100.

SEASONAL SUMMARY

Many races have been cancelled over the Christmas period due to the dangerous conditions but a few hardy harriers still made it out in the following races.


HOT TODDY - 27th Dec 2009

Richard Howarth came 2nd to NEB athlete Ian Grimes in this festive raod race. Rob Jackson was 7th and Paul Boardman was 30th. Full results here.

AULD LANG SYNE - 31st Dec 2009

This popular seasonal fell race on the right side of the border was won this year by the local World Triathlon Champ Alistair Brownlee. Making the trip to represent Horwich were Mick Green (whose fancy dress Christmas parcel didnt survive to the finish) in 39th, Paul Boardman in 94th and Colin Wood in 130th. Race report and results here.

JOE SALT - 1st Jan 2010

Four harriers braved the icy conditions of this New Years Day multi terrain race. Paul Boardman (again!) finished in 14th followed by son Sam in 32nd. Mark Collier was 45th and Lawrence Pinell was 53rd. Full results here.


If anyone has any more news on races from the Christmas period please drop me an email.


alastair.murray@gmail.com

MEMBERSHIP SUBS OVERDUE

There are still many members who have not submitted their renewals for 2009/10. These have been due now since October.

Could members who have not yet renewed please do so asap. If you do not intend to renew this year, please let me know so i can cross you off the list, and stop sending you annoying emails and letters.

Details of how much and where to send are on the membership form, which can be found here.

Please also let me know if any of your contact details have changed.

Many thanks to those members who have already renewed.

Thanks,

Alastair Murray.
Membership Secretary.

RMI CALENDAR 2010

Calendars are available now from Pete Bland ( peterbland@btinternet.com / 07551404047 ) at 2 pounds each.

Draft can be viewed at the following link. (2.73 MB file)

NOONSTONE

The first race in the 2010 English fell championship is Noonstone on Sat. 27th Feb.

Pre-entry only with a limit of 500 so early entry (i.e. within next couple of days) is advisable.

Entry form at link below

http://www.todharriers.co.uk/noonstone/noonstone_entryform_2010.pdf

Please pass on the message to other Horwich members.

Regards,

Steve Jackson.